UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville Kills At Least 11
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Tuesday, resulting in at least 11 fatalities, including a child, according to federal investigators.
The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. as the plane departed from UPS Worldport, the company's global aviation hub. Witnesses reported a large fire in the left wing before the engine detached and the aircraft went down. The ensuing explosion spread to nearby businesses, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, where the child was present with a parent.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the cockpit voice and data recorders were recovered, and an investigation is underway. A debris field spanning half a mile was reported, complicating search efforts for additional victims.
Governor Andy Beshear noted that 16 families were gathered at a reunification center seeking news of their loved ones. Local hospitals treated 18 individuals, with two in critical condition.
UPS expressed deep sadness over the incident, as the Louisville facility is the company's largest hub, employing over 20,000 people.
Authorities indicated that airport operations resumed with one runway open, but they are still assessing the situation and searching for additional victims as recovery efforts continue.
The investigation into the crash's cause is ongoing, and preliminary findings suggest a possible fuel leak or engine failure.